Mazdaspeed. A name synonymous with racing. Honda may have Si. Toyota may have TRD. But, when it comes to putting your name on the finish line, the Mazdaspeed logo sees more results than any other.

So, when I went to GP3R in the summer of 2009, I jumped at the chance to drive the new-for-2010 Mazdaspeed3.

A couple of months before our trip I had the delight of driving the previous generation Mazdaspeed3. And, like the earlier model, the new version retains the 2.3L turbo-charged inline-four, pushing 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels only.

Power is delivered to the front corners via a six-speed manual gearbox with wider ratios than the previous generation. If you are looking for an automatic version you'll find yourself out of luck. The Mazdaspeed3 comes in manual only, which is actually kind of refreshing in this day and age of automatics and CVTs.

That isn't to say that Mazda skimps on the equipment. The Mazdaspeed3 is fully loaded and everything comes standard. The only choice you get to make is on the colour. Crystal White Pearl paint is the only option, and that will bring the price up by $200. So, buying a stripped down version of the Mazdaspeed3 is not in the cards. But, the $32,995 price tag does give you a lot. (Editor's note: Freight and PDI add $1,395).

Specially-designed 18-in. wheels come standard on the car, along with Bi-Xenon headlights. The interior also gets special treatment with black leather and red stitching throughout. A dual-zone climate control and in-dash navigation system also get included standard. Creature comforts are definitely not lacking.

All the features aside, the reason someone buys a car like this is to go fast and to look good doing it. The Mazdaspeed3 does this and more, providing a very pleasurable driving experience in town and on the highway. Overall, it is practical as well, with easily accessible cargo room and rear doors for seating, making the rear seats easier to access than rear buckets in a coupe.

If you are in the market for a hatch with some flash and get-up-and-go in one package, the Mazdaspeed3 ticks all the boxes.

Price

Canadian Base Price (FWD): $32,995

Price as Tested (AWD): $32,995

Freight and dealer prep fees: $1,395

Fuel economy

Transmission: 6 MT

City: 11.5 L/100km or 24.6 MPG

Highway : 8.0 L/100 km or 35.3 MPG

Mark Stevenson's story previously appeared on AutoNorth.ca. Updated and posted on CarTest! April 20, 2010.